Tech billionaire Elon Musk
Is that a Hitler salute – or not?
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During a speech to Trump supporters, Tesla boss Elon Musk expresses his joy – and raises his right arm twice. The gesture is being discussed furiously on the Internet.
He hits his chest with his right hand and then stretches it upwards, repeating the movement shortly afterwards: Tech billionaire and Tesla boss Elon Musk gave a speech to supporters of the US President after Donald Trump’s inauguration a gesture that can be interpreted as a Hitler salute. “Thank you for making this possible,” a visibly excited Musk calls out to the audience in the Capitol One Arena in the scene, which was broadcast live by US broadcaster CNN and repeated several times. “My heart goes out to you,” he said afterwards. “Thanks to you, the future of civilization is secured. We will have safe cities, finally safe cities, safe borders, sensible spending, basic stuff.”
Elon Musk irritates with a hand gesture
Already after the live broadcast on CNN, angry users spoke up on Musk’s Internet platform “X”, drawing clear parallels between Musk’s hand gesture and the Nazi salute. Musk then posted the entire video of the speech online on “X”, but he has not yet commented on the gesture.
Elon Musk has been one of the closest supporters of re-elected US President Donald Trump for several months. Most recently, he also sought proximity to right-wing populist politicians in Europe such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and AfD candidate for chancellor Alice Weidel, whom he met for a live conversation on “X”.
Donald Trump was celebrated by these celebrities
The Trump family cheers on their patriarch: Donald Trump (center, his wife Melania Trump to his left) and his children (from left) Barron Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump and daughter Tiffany Trump
© Shawn Thew / Picture Alliance
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The Hitler salute, which is based on the Roman military salute “saluto romano”, was the official form of greeting during the Nazi rule from 1933 to 1945. After the Second World War it was banned in Germany and Austria and its use is punishable.
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Source: Stern

I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.